Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-
Walter Slee was born at Long Morton, Westmorland, Yorkshire, in about 1869 and married in the district of Richmond, Yorkshire in 1911 to widow Annie Dodsworth born at Thirsk in 1875, 6 years his senior. Annie had 7 children, 4 sons and 3 daughters between the ages of 12 and 1 from her previous marriage to John Dodsworth who had died in 1909 and an illegitimate son Joseph Warriner aged 17 years. Walter and Annie had 2 children Albert born 1912 and Marjorie 1919.
Walter left his employment as a labourer and enlisted for a period of 3 years at Darlington for general service, September 2nd 1914. Assigned as Driver 20439, posted to the Royal Field Artillery, by the 11th he had been transferred to the 18th Division Ammunition Column. Promoted to the rank of Gunner, January 26th 1915, he was moved to the 55th Brigade R.F.A. then to the 19th (Reserve) Battalion by November 3rd 1915. He departed to France as part of the British Expeditionary Force 6 days later attached to the 19th Brigade.
Ha served in France and Belgium and was admitted to hospital February 9th 1917 on the Somme at Abbeville then transferred to Le Treport and finally the 2nd Canadian Hospital at Rouen February 14th suffering from ill health. February 22nd 1917, he was shipped back to England from Le Havre aboard H.S. Warilda. During his enlistment period he had been admitted to hospital several times suffering from bronchitis, rheumatism and myalgia. Upon his arrival in England he was transferred to the 5th Reserve Brigade. Gunner 20439 Walter Slee Royal Field Artillery was discharged May 5th 1917, classed physically unfit. Hewas awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Walter Slee died aged 47 years in 1926, his widow Annie Slee-Dodsworth in 1945 aged 74 years, both registered in the district of Darlington.
Annie’s son Joseph Warriner served during the conflict as Gunner 46271 Royal Garrison Artillery and died of wounds sustained on active service June 25th 1917, interred at Strand Military Cemetery, near Ypres, Belgium he was 24 years of age and single. Recipient of the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.
The name of Walter Slee does not appear on any local memorials.
